Determining similarity of plane figures

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of similarity in plane figures, specifically polygons in Euclidean geometry. Participants explore definitions, properties, and conditions that determine when two polygons can be considered similar, with a focus on triangles and polygons with more than three sides.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define similar polygons as those that can be resized to obtain one another, emphasizing the proportionality of corresponding sides and equality of corresponding angles.
  • It is noted that for triangles, the conditions for similarity are equivalent, but for polygons with more than three sides, proportional sides are necessary but not sufficient for similarity.
  • One participant mentions that additional properties, such as the similarity of diagonals, may also play a role in determining similarity, although this is not necessary for the current discussion.
  • A participant expresses a need for help with understanding the topic, indicating a lack of confidence in their knowledge of the material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the sufficiency of conditions for similarity among polygons with more than three sides, as participants highlight different aspects of the definition and properties involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference geometric proofs and properties without providing specific examples or images, which may limit understanding for those unfamiliar with the concepts discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals seeking clarification on the properties of similar polygons, particularly in the context of geometry and mathematical proofs.

MathIsHard123
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really need help on this I learned it but forgot how to do it. thanks if you reply with explanation
 

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Two polygons in Euclidean geometry are called similar when, roughly speaking, one can be resized (zoomed in and zoomed out) to obtain another.

This is essentially equivalent to saying (are you familiar with the geometric proof of this) that if you have two polygons with sides labeled $AB, BC, CD, \cdots$ and $A'B', B'C', C'D', \cdots$ and the angles labelled $\alpha, \beta, \gamma, \cdots$ and $\alpha', \beta', \gamma', \cdots$ in the same order, then $$\frac{AB}{A'B'} = \frac{BC}{B'C'} = \frac{CD}{C'D'} = \cdots$$ $$\alpha = \alpha', \beta = \beta', \gamma = \gamma', \cdots$$

What can you say about the polygons you are given? Can you use the fact above?
 
Last edited:
mathbalarka said:
Two polygons in Euclidean geometry are called similar when, roughly speaking, one can be resized (zoomed in and zoomed out) to obtain another.

This is essentially equivalent to saying (are you familiar with the geometric proof of this) that if you have two polygons with sides labeled $AB, BC, CD, \cdots$ and $A'B', B'C', C'D', \cdots$ in the same order, then $$\frac{AB}{A'B'} = \frac{BC}{B'C'} = \frac{CD}{C'D'} = \cdots$$
For triangles, this is indeed equivalent. For polygons with more than three sides, the fact that sides are proportional is necessary for the polygons to be similar, but it is not sufficient.
 
Hello MathIsHard123 (Wave) and welcome to MHB!I have re-titled your thread so that it reflects the nature of the question being asked. A title such as "Math Help" tells us no more than we already know...when our users view the thread listing, it is best if the titles give some indication of the type of question posted. This makes MHB more efficient for our users, and ensures you get the most prompt help possible.:)
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
For triangles, this is indeed equivalent. For polygons with more than three sides, the fact that sides are proportional is necessary for the polygons to be similar, but it is not sufficient.

Fair enough, otherwise a Rhombus and a square would be similar. The diagonals must be similar too, but that fact isn't needed here. I evidently didn't see the angles marked in the image. :p
 

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